🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Hudson, WI

Hudson Council Eyes Tighter Grip on Short-Term Rentals

At Hudson’s August 4 council meeting, the conversation was all about short-term rentals—and how to get a better handle on them before they reshape the city’s neighborhoods.

Council members tackled the issue from several angles. First, they zeroed in on enforcement. Some suggested that property owners with ongoing ordinance violations shouldn’t be allowed to apply for new STR licenses. Others stressed that these licenses should be treated as privileges—something earned through good management and compliance, not something anyone can demand.

One potential compromise? Letting existing, rule-abiding operators keep their licenses under a “grandfather” policy, provided they remain compliant and ownership doesn’t change. This would reward responsible hosts while keeping the door open for stricter rules moving forward.

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Concerns about STRs changing neighborhood dynamics were front and center. Some council members floated a residency requirement, which would require owners to live in their rental property for a set number of days each year. The idea is to keep owners engaged and connected to the community, making them more accountable for guests’ behavior.

Enforcement tools were another hot topic. A proposal to maintain a formal list of problem properties would help city staff monitor repeat offenders and act more quickly when issues arise.

Then there’s the “clustering” concern. To prevent certain streets from turning into mini hotel strips, a 300-foot separation rule between STRs is on the table. Supporters say it’s a simple way to preserve neighborhood character while still allowing rentals in residential zones.

These discussions are far from over. The council will revisit the proposals in upcoming sessions, aiming to fine-tune the rules so that Hudson can benefit from tourism without sacrificing the peace and cohesion of its neighborhoods.

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